The design of a hemodialysis nursing orientation program

With the ever-increasing number of persons requiring treatment for kidney disease, the need for competent hemodialysis (HD) nurses continues. Professional organizations support the use of nursing orientation programs, which have been shown to decrease staff turnover. An instructor's manual, student's handbook and learner's manual for HD orientation were developed in response to this need. Morrison, Ross & Kemp's (2004) instructional design model guided the creation of this material, while Bandura's concept of self-efficacy (1997) and Knowles' Adult Learning Theory (1984) gave direction for implementing this program. The focus of this paper is to outline how the instructional development model, self-efficacy concept and adult learning theory supported the development of this HD orientation. The materials developed for the orientation program should enable new HD nurses to provide improved holistic care to their patients and families.